Arabian Business reported that Dubai Metro operator Serco has bought facilities management firm JBI Properties Services Company from Mubadala Development Company, the investment arm of the Abu Dhabi government.

Serco currently manages operation of Dubai Metro stations and depots, the UAE University in Al Ain and the New York University currently being built on Saadiyat Island. The acquisition of JBI is part of its expansion into the UAE capital.

JBI, which specialises in integrated facilities management services and was previously a wholly owned subsidiary of Mubadala, has over 130 staff in various locations across Abu Dhabi.

Its range of services includes estate management, IT services, waste management, procurement, mechanical and electrical maintenance, help desk and asset management.

Mr Zafar Raja CEO of Serco Middle East said that "We are delighted to strengthen our FM capabilities, extend our local expertise to new markets across the Middle East and deepen our long standing business relationship with Mubadala Development Company."

Serco has operated the Dubai Metro since it opened in September 2009 and a total of 84.2 million passengers have used it in its first two years of operation.

The Green Line, Dubai Metro's second line was launched in September 2011 and added a further 18 stations and 23 kilometers to the existing rail network.

(Sourced from www.arabianbusiness.com)